Cortez woman arrested on felony drug charge

A 53-year-old Cortez woman was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance after initially being arrested for driving under the influence.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Annie Hughes was observed swerving her vehicle in the 3300 block of 75th Avenue in Bradenton by a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy. The deputy then allegedly observed Hughes accelerate to 60 mph in a 45-mph zone, at which time he initiated a traffic stop.

According to the report, the deputy observed an odor of alcohol and asked if Hughes had been drinking. She allegedly said she had two beers.

Hughes was asked to perform a field sobriety test and the deputy determined she failed. She was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence and transported to the Manatee County jail.

While being processed at the jail, the deputy discovered two pills in Hughes’ purse, one of which was determined to be hydrocodone. She was additionally charged with felony possession.

Hughes was held on $2,000 bond. According to the jail website, she posted bond the same day and was released.

She is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.